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Tennessee football 2019 preview by position: Vols WRs

By Caleb Calhoun

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Marquez Callaway #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts to a play against the Florida Gators during the second half of their game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Marquez Callaway #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts to a play against the Florida Gators during the second half of their game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

Projected backups

1. Brandon Johnson

Senior; 6’2″ 195 lbs; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Tennessee football’s leading receiver in 2017, Brandon Johnson took a step back last year with only 14 receptions for 132 yards. He’s a solid wideout, but there’s no room for him with the three-man rotation we have starting. So he’ll be the top wideout off the bench.

2. Tyler Byrd

Senior; 5’11” 210 lbs; Naples, Fla.

After Jeremy Pruitt moved him to defensive back at a time, Tyler Byrd was back at receiver when the season started. But he only had one reception, and it was a 20-yard touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats. However, as a senior fully experienced in the pro-style, Jim Chaney could find use for him since there are no true slot guys starting. This is his chance.

3. Jordan Murphy

Junior; 6’0″ 180 lbs; Hattiesburg, Miss.

Another player who saw sporadic action last year, Jordan Murphy joins Tyler Byrd as the other true slot player with experience. He had 11 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown and two carries for 58 yards. The Vols should have options with Murphy and Byrd, as both make for great depth.

4. Ramel Keyton

Freshman; 6’2″ 189 lbs; Marietta, Ga.

As Tennessee football’s top receiver in its 2019 recruiting class, a four-star wideout, Ramel Keyton already brings lots of hype as a freshman. He also was an early enrollee. That gives him a great chance to work his way into the rotation, but the combination of talent and experience makes him a valuable guy to provide depth at wideout.

5. Jerrod Means

Freshman; 6’2″ 214 lbs; Lovejoy, Ga.

Jerrod Means is another member of the Vols’ 2019 recruiting class. However, he was a three-star and not an early enrollee. As a result, despite being a guy with true potential at wideout, he’ll be behind Keyton in the depth chart.

6. Jacquez Jones

Redshirt sophomore; 5’10” 176 lbs; Apollo Beach, Fla.

Once a three-star, Jacquez Jones has experience with Jeremy Pruitt and is a player Jim Chaney could find use for. But the Vols are running three wideouts in the starting lineup and already have two true slot guys on the bench. So there’s no room for him this year.

7. Cedric Tillman

Redshirt freshman; 6’3″ 211 lbs; Las Vegas, Nev.

As a two-star in the 2018 class, there was never a lot of hype for Cedric Tillman. He may still have future potential. But the Vols are simply too loaded at wideout this year for him to be able to work his way into the rotation.

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